winter storage question

[anthonyk]

I've got a 1046 with the Kohler Command 23 hp engine.
I'm just about done with this season's lawn mowing and was about to put it in the barn for the winter.
Should I run the unit till it's out of gas?
I've heard you shouldn't leave gas in it, unused too long.
Any other tips for winter storage?

thanks,

anthony

 

[MrJimi]

When I store something, I install a fuel shut off valve in line then I run fuel out of engine and line and I use Sta Bil in the fuel like our generator In Florida we don't have cold winters. see link below, I bought it at wally world
Gold Eagle - Stabil
Jim

 

[bill177]

I go the other way. I use Stabil in the gas - run everything well in early November - then put them all inside the barn and remove any batteries. I leave the fuel systems wet.

Although this goes against my flight training, I do not run them dry.

If I get a warm day In January or early February, I will run everything for about 20 minutes. If not, and that is usually the case, they all get awakened in early April.

I have never had a problem doing this.

Then there is my generator. Generac 5 kW with a &^*%@!! Tecumseh on it. This gem has the world's worst carb - been rebuilt three times and now sports a new one. I start and run the generator once a month. A run is considered 1/2 hour with a 1500 watt load. Converted it to electric start last fall. Pulling was killing me.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I drain the gas from my snowblower and run it dry in the spring. I believe that 2-cycle engines, using oil-gas mix, tend to get gummed up more than plain gasoline. Also, the snowblower will sit idle for a longer length of time than any of my other gas powered devices. My Cub tractor and Toro hand mower sit all winter with gas in the tanks and have never had a problem. They both start right up in the spring. Likewise for my motor home. I fill the tank to prevent condensation and then it sits all winter, including the built-in generator which runs off the main fuel tank. Occassionally I start both the motor home and the generator during the winter but often times it's a couple months or more without running. They recommend running the generator with a load once a month. Maybe I'm just lucky but I've never had a problem with any of them so far.

Bob B.

 

[MrWiggles2]

I use Stabil. Around this time of year, I'll add Stabil to my main gas fill tanks, I use a 6 gallon and 3 gallon tank. So, I'll add Stabil right into those. Then, should I store a piece of equipment, I never have to worry about forgetting to do it, since I am already burning it.

Its easier, removes water that can occur in the gas stations pumps at any time of year and its one less thing to think about.

Even when you run the tanks empty, you can't get all that is in the carb bowl. It is easier to do the Stabil method for me.

 

[OhioGuy]

In NE Ohio, I'll be cleaning up leaves right into November. I go the Stabil route also and start them a couple of times during winter. About twice a year I siphon the fuel out of my generator and burn it in a mower just to keep it relatively fresh.

I used to use marine fogger also, it probably helps somewhat, coats the cylinder, protects the carb but I just don't always get around to all the engines, tillers, push mowers, chippers, lawn vac, Ive never had problems getting them fired up in the spring though!

Curt

 

[TractorLarry]

Here's what I do.

First, ALL of my fuel is treated with Stabil (the extra strength B&S Plus version) at the 2-year mixture.

1. Treat the fuel with Stabil (if not already done).
2. If you added Stabil, run it a while to make sure it works through the carb.
3. With the engine running, close the fuel taps and let it run dry. Whatever gets left should be taken care of by the Stabil.
3a.Change Oil/Filter.
4. Pull the plugs and hit each Cylinder with a blast of B&S Fogging Oil.
5. Crank (don't start) the engine 2 or 3 revs to distribute.
6. Air up the tires. When cooler weather comes in, tire pressure can drop considerably.

I also use cheap, king-size 100% Cotton sheets from Kmart or something to wrap around/over my stuff. It keeps the dust/dirt/cobwebs off yet since it's cotton it breathes and doesn't allow moisture to collect. PLASTIC IS BAD BAD BAD!

That's what I do

-Larry

I've got a 1046 with the Kohler Command 23 hp engine.
I'm just about done with this season's lawn mowing and was about to put it in the barn for the winter.
Should I run the unit till it's out of gas?
I've heard you shouldn't leave gas in it, unused too long.
Any other tips for winter storage?

thanks,

anthony

 

[TractorLarry]

I like the B&S Plus version of Stabil. It provides for 2 year protection with one treatment.

Briggs & Stratton - Gasoline Additive Product

Seems pricy at $20 a bottle, but it's a BIG bottle and lasts a long time. I'd have to re-check the label, but I believe I use 2oz per 5 gal for 2 year protection.

-Larry

When I store something, I install a fuel shut off valve in line then I run fuel out of engine and line and I use Sta Bil in the fuel like our generator In Florida we don't have cold winters. see link below, I bought it at wally world
Gold Eagle - Stabil
Jim

 

[wojnaroski]

My 5254 tractor manual says to either completly empty the fuel system or add a stabilizer.

Alan

 

[95fxdl]

Why don't gasoline manufacturers put stabil in to begin with? They add all sorts of fuel additives already.

 

[natem1984]

I use the stabil and do not run things dry. I was running things dry in tell this one year with my 1525 there was condensation that formed in the bowl and it rust and little pieces clogged the carb all up.

 

[OhioGuy]

Why don't gasoline manufacturers put stabil in to begin with? They add all sorts of fuel additives already.

I'm sure it's because it's an additional expense that isn't needed 95% of the time. Would anyone hazard a guess how long it takes gas to go bad, 6 months, one year, I'd guess at least that long.

Does it always have that awful stink when it destabilizes?

Curt

 

[cp1969]

I don't mess with it if it's only for a few months such as one winter. Put the thing(s) away dirty, drag them out when needed and fire them up.

I really don't think gasoline deterioration is the problem it once was, otherwise I would have been bit due to my negligence and the number of engines I've treated this way. The only carb I've ever had to rebuild was on a snowblower that wasn't used for multiple years.

 

[MrWiggles2]

Gas deteriorates faster now than ever actually. It will turn to gummed up varnish very quickly. Most tanks have pin holes in the cap to allow air in, so the air and moisure wreak havoc on fresh fuel.

I can always tell bad gas because the exhaust smells foul when it first starts after sitting a long time. Stabil is cheap insurance I think.

 

[Fordlords]

I use the Stabil in the tanks but have always let my carbs run out dry. Never had a problem with this in the mowers and motorcycles, everything starts right up in the spring. I try to pace it at the end of the season so I use up as much of the gas I have in the tanks and cans before season's end. Sometimes it's hard to predict though, it's the second week in October and I'm still mowing the lawn.

I guess everyone has their own storage methods, but one thing for sure is I had very bad luck with spring restarts on the occasions I just did nothing and let gas just sit in the mowers or cycles without stabilizing or running carbs dry.

-Fordlords-

 

[ToadHill]

At the last mowing I put Stabil in the tank before I mow. When I finish I drain the oil and change the filter. Put in fresh oil, start the engine and spray fogging oil into the carb to coat the cylenders. I remove the deck and scrape and paint it, sharpen the blades and set it with the mower to install in the spring.

 

[Willl]

My bad. I don't do anything. Turn the lights out and shut the door.

It's a Yard Machines.